Fox News Hourly Update – 3PM ET 12/09/2025

Host: Lisa Brady, FOX News Podcasts
Date: December 9, 2025
Episode Theme:
A concise summary of the latest national and international news headlines, pressing policy discussions, crime updates, philanthropy, and economic trends.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Health Care Legislation and Senate Votes

[00:02]

• Senate Activity:
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced an upcoming vote on a Republican health care plan, serving as an alternative to a Democrat proposal for extending Obamacare subsidies for three years.
  • Republicans are advocating for health care reforms rather than simply extending existing subsidies.
• Political Context:
  • Extending the subsidies was a central Democratic demand during the recent government shutdown negotiations.
• Memorable Quote:
  • Lisa Brady: “An extension was the central Democrat demand. And the recent government shutdown.”

2. Federal Funding and Chicago Transit Security

[00:31]

• Federal Ultimatum:
  • The Trump administration threatened to withhold $2.1 billion in federal funds for Chicago’s mass transit system unless the city implements a new safety plan by December 19th.
  • The move follows a violent incident where a woman was set on fire inside a Chicago commuter train last month.
• Equity in Contracts:
  • White House officials emphasized that federal contracts should not be awarded based on race-based criteria.
• Memorable Quote:
  • News Reporter: “The Federal Transit Authority Administrator sent a letter to Chicago’s mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker requiring a new safety plan…” ([00:31])

3. British Military Casualty in Ukraine

[01:08]

• Incident Details:

  • A member of the British armed forces died in an accident while observing Ukrainian military tests of a new defensive capability, away from active combat zones.

• Diplomatic Response:

  • British officials extended condolences to the victim’s family.

• Broader Context:

  • UK personnel in Ukraine are involved mainly in training, advisory, and technical support roles.

• Notable Quotes:

  • British MOD Spokesperson: “The armed forces member died in an accident… he was observing the Ukrainian military test a new defensive capability.” ([01:13])

4. Ukraine’s Push for Peace and Elections

[01:29]

• Diplomatic Initiatives:
  • President Zelensky announced intentions to pursue a high-level meeting with the US within two weeks aimed at a peace deal with Russia.
  • Zelensky also expressed readiness for national elections, calling on US and European support to ensure security.
• Contextual Quote:
  • “Zelensky also says he’s ready for elections in Ukraine, calling on US and European partners to help ensure security.” – Lisa Brady ([01:29])

5. Crime Update: Fatal Hit-and-Run in Rhode Island

[02:14]

• Incident Report:
  • Roderick McLeod, a Grammy-nominated musician and former member of Room Full of Blues, was killed while walking his dogs.
  • The driver, Shannon Godbout, has an extensive criminal history—over 100 arrests and 82 court warrants.
  • Godbout faces charges including driving to endanger resulting in death and drug possession. She is expected in court for probation violations.
• Notable Quote:
  • Podcast Narrator: “Further investigation found more than 100 arrests, 40 of them traffic citations, as well as 82 court warrants against Godbout.” ([02:25])

6. Philanthropy: MacKenzie Scott’s Donations

[02:54]

• Highlights:
  • Philanthropist and ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, MacKenzie Scott, donated over $7 billion to nonprofits this year—doubling last year’s total.
  • In her public writing, Scott focused on recognizing the “personal expressions of care being made by others,” shifting attention to everyday generosity.
• Key Quote:
  • “MacKenzie Scott increased her donations to nonprofits this year… more than double last year’s amount, though in an essay she’s highlighting the personal expressions of care being made by others.” – Lisa Brady ([02:54])

7. Crowdfunding Trends: GoFundMe 2025 Report

[03:25]

• Platform Findings:
  • Charity is the fastest-growing fundraiser category on GoFundMe, but campaigns for basic needs (rent, utilities, groceries) rose 20% in 2025.
  • This spike coincides with benefit cuts (SNAP) during the government shutdown, and a surge in food-related fundraisers between late October and mid-November.
  • January 10th was the year’s most generous day, in response to deadly LA wildfires.
• Notable Quote:
  • Ainsley Earhart: “The number of fundraisers started to help cover essential expenses like rent, utilities, and groceries jumped 20% in 2025...” ([03:25])
  • Lisa Brady: “More than a million donors from across the US and the world.” ([03:51])

8. Financial Market Update

[03:51]

• Wall Street:
  • Dow Jones was down by 115 points nearing market close.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “Senate Majority Leader John Thune just announcing that a plan proposed by two Republican senators will get a vote on Thursday as an alternative to a Democrat proposal for extending Obamacare subsidies by three years.” – Lisa Brady ([00:02])
• “Nothing will be pulled for Chicago’s public transportation unless the city beefs up security on the transit system.” – News Reporter ([00:31])
• “The British Ministry of Defense says the armed forces member died in an accident… he was observing the Ukrainian military test a new defensive capability.” – British MOD Spokesperson ([01:13])
• “Zelensky also says he’s ready for elections in Ukraine, calling on U.S. and European partners to help ensure security.” – Lisa Brady ([01:29])
• “Further investigation found more than 100 arrests, 40 of them traffic citations, as well as 82 court warrants against Godbout.” – Podcast Narrator ([02:25])
• “MacKenzie Scott increased her donations to nonprofits this year… more than double last year’s amount, though in an essay she’s highlighting the personal expressions of care being made by others.” – Lisa Brady ([02:54])
• “The number of fundraisers started to help cover essential expenses like rent, utilities, and groceries jumped 20% in 2025...” – Ainsley Earhart ([03:25])

Structure & Flow

This episode delivers rapid-fire, headline-driven reporting. The tone remains serious and urgent, reflecting ongoing political tensions, security concerns, and economic trends, balanced with stories of philanthropy and resilience. The narrative transitions quickly between domestic policy, crime, international affairs, social welfare, and economics—offering listeners a comprehensive briefing on critical developments as they unfold.